Simpler Times

Simpler Times

When people wish they could return to simpler times, what do they truly mean? Often, there is a desire to return to childhood and youth, or even to travel back to a different era of history, one without the fears and complications of our modern world. But what are they really seeking?

If we look at the times they wish to return to, the trend seems to be to relinquish a certain amount of control and power over their lives. No more managing your appointments and meetings and trying to find time for love all on your iPad, your Blackberry, your fifty different planners. And to be sure, having so much control over every waking minute of our lives is a scary thing. As I talked about before, there is definitely a comfort in relinquishing control.

But it is not the control that people really wish to relinquish, but the opposite: they wish to relinquish the feeling of powerlessness. Having such a technological world gives us immense power over our lives, but it also highlights the areas where we lack power. We are very much at the mercy of our bosses, our government, even our neighbors. But this would not change, even if we were to travel back to our youth, back to the romanticized past. The world will always be divided into areas where we have control, and areas where we will not, and this is okay. What is needed, then, is a change of perspective. We must give up trying to control that which is beyond us focus on the choices we can make right in front of us. We cannot change the minds of other people any more than we can change the weather around us. By accepting this, we can find much more happiness in our lives and compassion for the lives of others.

(via 109. ZEN FABLE: The river crossing)

Oh shut up. Every time it rains, it stops raining. Every time you hurt, you heal. After darkness, there is always light and you get reminded of this every morning but still you choose to believe that the night will last forever. Nothing lasts forever. Not the good or the bad. So you might as well smile while you’re here.

I Wrote This For You  (via cold-winter-days)

I suppose this is also Dao.

Strength does not come through winning…

I freely admit that I am a Sam fanboy. Simple things, friends, simple things.

One of the most frustrating things for me is dealing with people who constantly complain about anxiety and depression and expect that some words from me can help but will not even do simple things like get more sleep, eat a healthy diet, take a 30 minute walk at dusk or meditate for 20 minutes a day. They are in a prison of their own making with the key in their hands. Yes, these simple things can change lives.

always room for words from the old man.

- Lao Tzu

I have just three things to teach: simplicity, patience, compassion. These three are your greatest treasures.